The Youngstown-Warren Regional Chamber of commerce points out in light of the loss of jobs at GM Lordstown complex; there are hundreds of millions of dollars in success stories such as TJX and the Lordstown energy center.

 

Also, there is work underway to create up to 1100 jobs with a new battery plant in a deal with LG Chem of South Korea.

 

They are also working to bring a truck producing company Lordstown Motors to the Valley.

But questions during the economic summit, which also included the Western Reserve Port Authority and Trumbull Commissioners, kept being directed back to Niles ordinance for annexation.

 

When pressed, Guy Coviello, with the Regional Chamber, said, "We do not take a position on annexation or Joint Economic Districts. Our only real policy is we don't like to see protracted controversial issues because it does affect site selection by companies. A ten million dollar project is in jeopardy because of this argument over annexation."

 

Coviello explained the Chamber of Commerce is not allowed to reveal which company has an interest in a project in the Valley.

 

In 2019 Niles City Council passed an ordinance to annex residential and business properties if they receive Niles utilities, water, and electricity.

Trumbull County Commissioners say without talking together, nothing can get accomplished. Commissioner Dan Polivka said, "There has to be dialogue, and people have to come together to find common ground, and that's what I'm encouraging and am hopeful for."

Howland, which stands to lose land and tax revenue, is hoping a door will be opened.

 

Howland Township Administrator Darlene St. George said, "Howland Township is open to communicating on this with our neighbors for the good of the whole county. This is not good for the economy of Trumbull county for us to be infighting."

The city of Niles had stated no representatives from the city would be attending due to Howland and Weathersfield Townships hiring an attorney since there could be pending litigation.

Some people at the meeting supported annexation.

 

Susan Olive said, "I would definitely be in favor of Niles annexing us in Weathersfield because Niles gives us all the services right now. If Weathersfield had the best interests of the residents, they would annex. Our water bills would be lower, so we don't have to pay an added fee."

 

However, others point out people who work for a living would be required to pay a Niles city income tax, yet there are no income tax fees in Howland or Weathersfield townships.

Some at the meeting believe JEDD's can be a good economic development took if all sides agree and work together.

 

A majority at the meeting were opposed, including the president of the Western Reserve Fish and Game Club.

 

Dan Padulla, Jr. said, "If Niles annexes us, they would basically shut down 100 years of community service. They have an ordinance that prohibits the launching of any kind of projectile in the city. We own around 15 acres in Weathersfield and have about 300 members. Our community service has been recognized by Mahoning commissioners, Disabled American Veterans, The Ulster Project, and others. We do community outreach. The firearms safety courses, archery in the schools' program that we help support, all of those programs would basically disappear if Niles were to annex our property."